Well-groomed nails are an important asset for a modern woman. Just like your skin,nails also need proper care. Nail cosmetics are used to enhance the appearance ofyour nails. Many women go to beauty salons to do manicures and pedicures. Althoughmost nail cosmetics are considered safe, but they may also be a source of significantadverse effects.
Allergy, irritation and infections are some of the side-effects of using nail cosmetics.Improper use of nail cosmetics at home or at salons also poses serious health risks.However, with the proper use of the right kind of cosmetics, you can maintain strong,beautiful and healthy nails. |  | | | Nail cosmetics
Base coat: Base coats are colorless liquid used to improve theadhesion of the nail polish to the nail. They are applied on the nail before theapplication of nail polish. They are thought to improve the quality of the nailsby preventing breakage and splitting of nails. Base coats also prevent nail polishfrom staining the nails.
Top coat: Top coats are colorless liquid applied after the applicationof nail polish to enhance the luster of enamel. They also increase the resistanceof the enamel to chipping and abrasion. Some top coats contain sunscreen to protectthe nail polish color from fading. |  | | | Nail polish: A nail polish is used to color or gloss the nails.It is a thick liquid, made of nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent like amyl acetatethat adheres well to the nail plate. Resins and plasticizers are also added to increasethe flexibility of nail polish by minimizing chipping and peeling. Different pigmentscan be added and hence there is an enormous range of colors of nail polish availablein the market today. Products like nail polish, enamel, lacquer, varnish or colorare identical in function and nearly same in their composition but the differentterms are used merely for marketing terms.
The dryness associated with the use of use of nail polish is due to the nail polishremover, which is usually acetone-based solvent. Nail polish prevents contact ofharsh agents with your nail and does not contribute to nail dryness or brittleness.
Nail polish remover: Nail polish removers are used to remove nailpolish from your nail plate. They may contain solvents like acetone, alcohol, ethylacetate or butyl acetate. To remove unwanted nail polish, nail polish remover isapplied to a cotton ball and wiped across the nail plate.
Cuticle creams: Cuticles are the skin surrounding your fingernailsor toenails. Cuticle creams usually contain lanolin, petroleum or beeswax. Thesecreams are used to prevent or correct brittle nails and dry cuticles.
Cuticle remover: They are formulated liquid or creams used to softenand remove dead cuticles around the nails. Cuticle removers usually contain alkali,glycerin and water. They are useful in eliminating hangnails and new growth of excesscuticle.
Nail moisturizer: Nail moisturizers are creams or lotions usedto combat dry and brittle nails. Ingredients of nail moisturizers may include glycerin,mineral oils, alpha-hydroxy acids, etc. They can be used in regular basis.
Nail hardener: Nail hardeners are used to increase the strengthof brittle nails.
Nail bleach: Products that are used to remove stain and whitenthe nails. | | | Artificial nails:
There are two types of artificial nails available: - Preformed plastic nails—They are trimmed to the wanted shape and length of the nail and available in press-on or in forms that require the application of glue.
- Sculptured nails—The nail plate is painted with acrylic compound which hardens to form the artificial nail. It can be filed and manicured to the desired shape.
|  | Adverse effects of nail cosmetics - Regular use of nail polish may cause of staining of nails. Nail polish may also cause allergic contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, swelling and water blisters around your nail and often on the eyelids.
- Acetone-based nail polish remover can act as contact irritant and can contribute to nail dryness and brittleness. Nail polish remover can irritate and dries the surrounding skin of nail plate.
- Vigorous use of cuticle remover may remove the entire cuticle and damage the nail plate through softening. Bacterial or fungal infection can also occur.
- Acrylic in sculptured nails and formaldehyde in nail hardeners can cause allergic reactions. When acrylics are removed, the surface layers are more prone to further injury. Fungal infection occurs frequently as a result of the trapping of moisture between the natural and artificial nails.
- If you keep your artificial nails too long, it will cause excessive force to the nail plate and injure your nail.
- Nail moisturizers can cause stinging and irritant contact dermatitis in some individuals.
| Tips for safer use of nail cosmetics - Removal or manipulation of cuticle is not advisable.
- Avoid using acetone-based nail removers as they can strip your nails of essential moisture.
- Smooth yourself everyday with nail conditioner to seal moisture into your hands to prevent flaking and splitting of nails.
- If you experience any burning or stinging sensation after using any nail cosmetics, remove the product as soon as possible as you may be having allergic reaction.
- Never apply an artificial nail if there is any irritation in your natural nail or skin surrounding your nail.
- Do not use nail polish remover frequently as it can dehydrate your nail.
- Do not subject your nails to harsh environmental conditions.
- If you use artificial nails, keep them short.
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